Chief Justice Martha Koome has ordered Judge Jessi Lessit to oversee the murder trial of human rights lawyer Willie Kimani until its conclusion, despite Lessit's recent promotion to the Court of Appeal.
The decision followed concerns raised by Kimani's widow, Hannah Wanjiku, who feared the case might stall after Lessit's July 2019 appointment. Wanjiku told a local TV station, "I believe CJ Koome is a mother; if it was her son or daughter, would they ensure justice?"
Lessit, who was set to begin her Court of Appeal duties in Mombasa on July 1, 2021, has cleared her schedule to hold hearings on July 8 and 9. The judge previously criticized delays, stating in October 2020, "We should have completed this case by 2018, but now we're in a cold tent with Covid-19 looming."
Lessit accused the defense of four postponements, citing a 2017 deadline. However, defense lawyer Cliff Ombeta denied the claims, noting he requested only one adjournment in 2020 due to unexpected prosecution documents. The family alleged the defense sought delays after Lessit's 2019 nomination.
